SEARCH
Industry Partners
Prairie Swine Centre is an affiliate of the University of Saskatchewan
Prairie Swine Centre is grateful for the assistance of the George Morris Centre in developing the economics portion of Pork Insight.
Financial support for the Enterprise Model Project and Pork Insight has been provided by:
Canola oil sprinkling and low crude protein diet reduce respirable dust and ammonia concentrations from swine production
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Prairie Swine Centre by admin on August 9, 2011 | No Comments
It was found that canola oil sprinkling and use of low crude protein diet resulted in significantly lower respirable dust and ammonia concentrations, respectively. The findings from this study aid pork producers in implementing these measures to improve the barn environment for animals and workers.
Controlling Environmental Emissions from Swine Barns using Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Prairie Swine Centre by admin on | No Comments
In this present study, the eff ectiveness of mixing and filtration methods using zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles to control hydrogen sulphide (H2S), ammonia (NH3) and odour emissions from swine facilities were evaluated under conditions that represent normal swine production. The addition of ZnO nanoparticles into the manure achieved more than 95% reduction in H2S level; no significant effect on NH3 and odour concentrations was observed. ZnO nanoparticles were persistent in maintaining low H2S level up to 15 days after treatment application. On the other hand, the ventilation air recirculation system with ZnO filter achieved significant reduction in both H2S and NH3 concentrations at the animal- and human-occupied zones.
Evaluation of Water Use and Potential Water Conservation Strategies in Swine Barns
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Prairie Swine Centre by admin on | No Comments
Existing water conservation management practices from published literature was identified in this study. In addition, a benchmark survey on actual water use per pig produced in different types of swine operations was conducted. Results from the literature review indicated that animal drinking represented the largest contribution (80%) to total water consumption among all other activities in the barn. The benchmarking survey revealed various options that can be pursued in order to improve water use efficiency in swine operations.
Evaluation of Temperature Conditions in Trucks During Transport of Market Pigs to Slaughter in Four Seasons
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Prairie Swine Centre by admin on | No Comments
Previous research at PSC has shown significant variation in conditions (temperature and humidity) among different compartments on trucks transporting market pigs. This study examined conditions in truck compartments in greater depth by measuring temperature and humidity variation during transportation of market pigs throughout the year. Pigs were transported from a commercial farm in Saskatchewan to a packing plant on a weekly basis, involving approximately 7.5 hours of travel. Pigs were exposed to variable temperatures during transport in different seasons with pigs transported in the ‘belly’, upper-front and middle-front compartments encountering the least favourable conditions.
Dietary Omega-6 to Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratios Affect Sow Reproduction and Piglet Performance
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Prairie Swine Centre by admin on | No Comments
An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of altering the omega-6 (n-6) to omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid (FA) ratio in sow diets on their reproductive performances. Production in the farrowing room was optimal when sows consumed a plant oil based ratio of 5:1 n-6:n-3. The long term feeding of sows with varied dietary n-6 and n-3 fatty acids can affect her reproductive performances, and the performance of her offspring.
Dietary Omega-6 to Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratios Affect Colostrum, Sow and Piglet Plasma Fatty Acid Profiles
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Prairie Swine Centre by admin on | No Comments
An experiment was conducted to determine the eff ects of altering the omega-6 (n-6) to omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid (FA) ratio in sow diets on the FA profile of colostrum, and sow and piglet plasma. A reduction in the n-6:n-3 ratio improved circulating levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) in both sows and piglets, indicating that the FA ratio is an important factor for increasing conversion of ALA into its longer chain counterparts.
Literature Review and Needs Assessment of Housing Systems for Gestating Sows in Group Pens with Individual Feeding
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Prairie Swine Centre, Uncategorized by admin on | No Comments
In the U.S., the public has expressed concern over the use of sow gestation stalls via ballot measures in a number of states. Likewise, large companies such as Smithfield Foods and Canada’s Maple Leaf Foods are voluntarily restricting the use of gestation stalls by 2017. Gestation stalls have already been banned in the U.K. since 1999, with the rest of Europe phasing them out by 2013, and Australia by 2017. On the surface, it may appear that this is a step towards improving the welfare of gestating sows, however, animal welfare is a multi-faceted concept and scientific data is needed to assess all components. This article describes some of the literature that assesses the different housing systems for gestating sows.
Comparative Evaluation of the Use of Heat Exchanger, Ground Source Heat Pump and Conventional Heating Systems in Grow-Finish Rooms
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Prairie Swine Centre by admin on | No Comments
A heat exchanger and a ground source heating system were fitted to grow-fi nish rooms in the PSCI Floral barn to evaluate their performance in comparison with a conventional forced-air convection heater. Data from one heating season showed that the use of heat exchanger and ground source heat pump led to 52% and 39% reduction in energy consumption for heating and ventilation, respectively, compared to the conventional heater.
Food Court Design for Large Group Auto-Sort for Grow-Finish Pigs
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Prairie Swine Centre by admin on | No Comments
This project studied the behaviour and productivity of pigs in large group auto-sort (LGAS) systems using two diff erent food-court designs. Compared to conventional pens we found that pigs in LGAS modified their feeding behaviour by having fewer (5 vs 10-15) and longer meals. Pigs made use of all of the available feeder spaces within the food courts, visiting several each day, however some had difficulty learning to enter and leave the food court. For successful management of LGAS systems, producers should ensure an adequate number of feeder spaces, sufficient room to move in the food court and training methods to facilitate use of the auto-sort scale.
Effects of Temperament and Floor Space Allowance on Sows at Grouping
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Prairie Swine Centre, Uncategorized by admin on | No Comments
Many North American producers are anticipating a change to group housing for sows. The overall purpose of this study was to determine how to reduce the stress of mixing sows by altering space allowance, and social groups. We also studied how space can influence behaviour and aggression within a goup. The largest space requirement occurred between midnight and 8am when the highest percentage of sows were lying laterally. From a purely physical perspective the sows would require 1.51m2/sow, however this does not account for any movement or interactions between individuals. When sows were initially grouped, they showed a higher occurrence of injury scores (P<0.001) and a greater number of fights (P<0.001) compared to the stable groups (3 weeks post-mixing). Most fi ghting and injuries occurred within 24 hours of mixing. There was not a significant difference between either injury score and number of fights with the different space allowances. Passive/shy sows appeared to show a reduced stress response compared with active/bold sows.